The INSPY Advisory Board is excited to welcome author Kristy Cambron. Her novel, The Butterfly and the Violin is on the short list for Debut Fiction. In this interview, Kristy shares her “research” style (who knew watching television and movies were required research skills!) and a sneak peek at what she’s working on now! Welcome Kristy!

from Goodreads:

A Mysterious painting breathes hope and beauty into the darkest corners of Auschwitz–and the loneliest hearts of Manhattan.

Manhattan art dealer Sera James watched her world crumble at the altar two years ago, and her heart is still fragile. Her desire for distraction reignites a passion for a mysterious portrait she first saw as a young girl–a painting of a young violinist with piercing blue eyes.

In her search for the painting, Sera crosses paths with William Hanover–the grandson of a wealthy California real estate mogul–who may be the key to uncovering the hidden masterpiece. Together Sera and William slowly unravel the story behind the painting’s subject: Austrian violinist Adele Von Bron.

A darling of the Austrian aristocracy of 1942, talented violinist, and daughter to a high-ranking member of the Third Reich, Adele risks everything when she begins smuggling Jews out of Vienna. In a heartbeat, her life of prosperity and privilege dissolves into a world of starvation and barbed wire.

As Sera untangles the secrets behind the painting, she finds beauty in the most unlikely of places: the grim camps of Auschwitz and the inner recesses of her own troubled heart.

Kirsty’s Home Office

What are you listening to? I’m writing my next novel now– a foray into the world of Jazz Age entertainers centered on the lives of John and Mable Ringling, and the circus in 1920s America. Because of this story that’s coming alive in my heart, I’m really interested in a sense of enchantment and the childlike wonder in the concept of fairy tale worlds. The circus is very much that – a world with possibilities that bends the rules of convention to create a new reality. The soundtrack for my life right now is centered on those themes in music from the movies: Finding Neverland, Cinderella Man, Anne of Green Gables, and Little Women. It’s all about what’s “out there” – the possibilities that exist if we’d only look beyond ourselves (and look to God) in order to find them.

What are you watching? We authors like to call our favorite TV shows “research”. I’m falling back on the previous seasons of Downton Abbey – in part because the time fits with my current novel. In other part? The costumes and characterization are just so rich, that I love falling into that world over and over! And the channel that is always on my TV? Turner Classic Movies (TCM). I love, love, LOVE classic films and stars from the Golden Age of Hollywood: Cary Grant, Audrey Hepburn, Spencer Tracy, Carole Lombard, Jimmy Stewart, Gary Cooper. I’m always going back to these important films because they’re the very definition of “classic”: you can always find something new in them.

Kristy’s Nightstand

What are you reading? As you can imagine, I’m reading research books on the Ringling Brothers’ circus and 1920s America. But after my novel is turned over to the brilliant hands of my editor? I’m going on a summer reading binge. I’m picking books now that range in: YA/fantasy, Regency, WWI, and even contemporary Chick-Lit. I’m so excited to explore some new worlds in between writing my upcoming novels. Can you say #BeachReads?! (P.S. Got any recommendations for me?)

Oh Kristy, have we got some good recommendations for you! I’d say the entire shortlist lineup would be a great place to start 😉 I’m sure we have some readers who can offer great suggestions as well! How about it Inspy Readers?

Recognizing the need for a new kind of book award, the INSPYs were created by bloggers to discover and highlight the very best in literature that grapples with expressions of the Christian faith. Contact us at inspyawards@gmail.com Read More…